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Biografía
The group’s musical influence is incredibly liberal and diverse and they make an effort to create a sound entirely their own through a unique aggregation of previously developed genres. Interestingly enough the one music style that brought the group together (i.e. Opera) does not have a strong presence in the group’s general sound.
The band’s very origin can be traced back to various projects that lead vocalist Sebastian Pringle, electronic instrumentalist Gilbert Vierich, and guitarist Graham Dickson were in. The band became complete with the addition of drummer Andrea Marongiu and vocalists Mimi Borelli and Laure Stockley. Stockley would provide the band with the name Crystal Fighters. This name was taken from an opera Stockley’s grandfather wrote during a state of derangement.
The Opera was written in a secluded area in the countryside of Basque. The band grew interested in both the contents of the Opera and Basque music and sought to integrate both these elements into their music. The band began to play live shows based on many of the concepts represented in Stockley’s grandfather’s book and extrapolated some of the book’s themes in their own sound.
The band’s exotic sound largely stems from their diverse implementation of instruments. Apart from traditional rock instruments such as the electric and acoustic guitar, synthesizer and drum set, the band uses highly specified world folk instruments like the txalaparta (a melodic percussive instrument in the style of an xylophone), danbolin (a type of drum) and txistu (a pipe whistle). The band lists a wide range of influences spanning from proto-punk legends Velvet Underground to cult hip-hop producer Madlib. The band continues to adopt new musical ideas and influences as they progress as a band. During the late 2000s they found a particular interest in African and Hispanic dance patterns as well as Mexican electronica.
Before the band released their debut album they were being praised by critics abroad for their inventive and multi-cultural sound. The band put out their first full length album, “Star of Love” on 4 October 2010 through their own label Zirkulo. This release would later be distributed in the United States through Atlantic Records in 2012 and would also include two additional songs. The album was released to critical acclaim and was followed up by their 2013 album “Cave Rave”.
This album was featured on Jay-Z’s website “Life + Times” and was promoted by the band with an extensive European and American tour. The group is highly regarded for being one of the most energetic and spontaneous live bands out there. They also have a reputation as being one of the most hardworking touring bands. From 2008 to 2010 they have played over 100 shows in 15 different countries. Some of the shows being prestigious festivals such as Glastonbury and Leeds Festival.
Críticas en vivo
Crystal Fighters are a great example of why someone should go see a band live. On their albums the music is great; it's catchy, uplifting and containing some serious summer vibes. But it was when I saw them live that I was blown away; they take everything that works when you're listening at home but enhanced to create more of an experience than simply a live rendition of their music.
The things which strikes me most about Crystal Fighters is how dance-able their music is. The first song I heard was their biggest song, 'You and I', a great folk-influenced track that immediately brings images of beaches, sun shining and possibly a drink or two. It serves a good indicator to the type of music that Crystal Fighters is all about, dance music but done differently to the mainstream of EDM or dubstep. It sounds more organic, more natural, more fun somehow. It looks like they might be heading towards a more dance orientated sound with the release of 'Love Alright' their new single released this year. Recorded during their Cave Rave recording sessions it builds upon the electronica elements from the previous 2 albums creating a proverbial 'tune'. Anyway, I saw them when they played Bestival last year. I'll admit that a festival venue is perfect for them. Outdoors, a but of mud, warm and a bit drunk; it feels like their music. Musically, it takes a step up in intensity and vibrations (if that makes sense) as they beat and bass elements are louder and heavier to help facilitate the rave sensation. It means that that great folk and synth sound from the albums is made all the larger for the occasion and its fantastic. It isn't just the music though; the set design was pretty cool with a simple brightly coloured cartoon backdrop lit by a variety of multi-coloured lights complemented the music on offer but the best part was the band themselves. Frequently, they dress up in all assortments of clothing, usually wild and a bit mental, just look at the Glastobury 2014 performance where the lead singer Sebastian Pringle wore a full headdress for the entirety of the performance.
Really though my words cannot really do them justice. They are the perfect band for when you've had a few and want a dance but perhaps you want something a little bit different to the current mainstream dance music genre. Plus they are really cool.
jamie-macbeth
I have been a fan of Crystal Fighters for many years after hearing their early single 'Follow' from the terribly titled 'Star of Love' album. Despite the awful name, fortunately the album was loaded with high quality, sun drenched indie pop inspired by the melange of culture that brings the musicians of Crystal Fighters together.
After following up the debut LP with the equally shining 'Cave Rave' they received a promotion to Latitude's main stage last summer. The weather may have been perfect for the mid-afternoon set but unfortunately the frantic indie of 'Wave' and 'At Home' seemed lost on the large, spanning fields of Henham Park. Had the show been conducted in a tent it may have achieved more permeance. That is not to say that it wasn't an entertaining show with Sebastian Pringle conducting in a brilliant way, headdress in tow for 'You & I' and 'Swallow' yet the sheer vastness dwarfed this likeable outfit slightly. I still believe they are going huge places with a very solid musical formula however they need a little more main stage practice and a couple more albums and then I am assured they will take the huge crowds by complete storm.
sean-ward
Crystal Fighters are quite a term when it comes to catchy dance music that can't be simply characterized as a "pop." I've seen them once on a festival and I was quite a bit disappointed. Their music seemed to have lost its "soul" because they haven't used typical basque instruments. This time however, it was pure perfection. Whole performance, longer than 90 minutes, made you dance to an absolute exhaustion. They performed the best hits from their previous albums yet played most songs from the new one (which is imho astonishing). The whole show was loud, incredibly energetic and made you move your body, shout the lyrics and simply live the moment. When it was over, your body was tired but your soul was awake like never before.
+ performance felt so genuine
+ duration of the show
+ songs very similar to their recorded versions
+ incredible work with crowd
+ the atmosphere
- they never play my the most favorite song "Love Alight" ;-(
9/10
lasman22
This is a great band who give all their love, energy and spirit through their music. The show was a non-stop collection of classic singalong tunes which the whole crowd loved. There weren't any 'weak tracks' even though they presented a number of new songs. They tried to get the whole crowd holding hands and high fixing but as the instructions were in English maybe the idea was lost on some but it was a good try!!
Loved the concert!! 10/10 No complaints. Love is all I got!
PeterDavidSmith
High Energy with Happy Fast Paced Excitement wrapped around every sense; visual justice, sexy music, clever vibrations, and hints of classic cultural respect. Crystal Fighters and Machineheart brought the center of all focus and attentions to the Mezzanine for a wondrous delight of overloaded heartfelt love and peace.
Please see these bands, wholesome honest heart and soul.
- @Glance_Dodger
dmwilliamson
This concert was amazing. The venue is ok, but the band were unbelievably good! After seeing Crystal Fighters at MS Dockville we really wanted to see Crystal Fighters again. Such a great act to see. Would definitely go to see them again! :D
steven-montaut
The place was really cool.
The sound was not that good. Last time I saw them they sounded better than this time.
It is always nice to see them live, but I guess that yesterday was the last time I'll go on a concert only with them
Pinax111
The organization could not be any better, all went smouth and easy. Amazing show, great location and superb atmosphere! Couldnt stop jumping from minute one! Cannot wait to see them again in an openair festival. Absolutely amazing!
apoteocris
I went to a Crystal Fighters show last night and feel like I got catfished by Jesus. Unbeknownst to me, these guys are Holy Rollers with subpar talent. I guess you'll be into it if Jesus is your thing..and hey, who am I to judge?
zeldada10
